1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Beril Gulcan, and I was born in Istanbul, Turkey. With a passion for photography, I embarked on a journey to New York to study fine art photography at (International Center of Photography). My interest lies in photographing people, focusing on portraits that reflect the diverse tapestry of cultures found in different cities.
During covid lockdown times, inspired by the timeless vintage magazines collection of mine at home, I began creating collages, which led me to create my own textile brand called “Assemblage Studios”. And now we have collage printed T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, as well as socks.
2. What does ”escape” mean to you?
Getting out of my comfort zone with my camera, which means going anywhere I have never seen before.
3. Do you have a summer ritual?
Travel and see as many new places, of course with my camera in my hand, and meet as many different people from different cultures as possible. One more ritual which never gets old, is to go to Patmos in Greece.
4. Where is it you escape to habitually for true downtime?
Home 😉 and Patmos island.
5. How long have you been visiting this place, and what draws you to it?
Six years, every summer. What draws me is the people, and how laid back and also fun it is.
6. Do you have an anecdote or unforgettable memory to share?
I like to keep it to myself 😉 But as a photographer, whichever city you choose to go to, you should always embark on a road trip, things around will you always surprise you.
7. What about the best to: Do, see, stay, eat and drink at this particular escape?
This photo series that I’m sharing is all from a California road-trip.
Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Big Sur, these are a must. To eat at a random diner was my favorite thing on this trip. And one more thing comes to mind now, is the Mexican place in Santa Barbara, called La Super Rica Taqueria (so good)!
8. Who are your favorite summer escape travel partners and why?
Right now, my husband. Because he’s a photographer too and also loves travelling. It’s so mellow and so much fun to go and explore with him. Sometimes we stop the car and take photos at the exact same spots, but the results are so different, it’s always interesting to see that.
And we’re also working together on an exhibition project about our California road trip.
9. What’s a new summer escape you embarked on this summer?
South of France, Côte D’azur. We traveled the whole coast by car, staying in different places every 2 days.
Photos will come out later 😉
10. What’s your ultimate escape soundtrack?
Darjeeling Limited. Especially the song “where do you go to my lovely”
11.What about this summer’s read?
Man’s search for meaning by Viktor E. Frankl.
12. Which film do you revisit for the ultimate summer movie experience?
Pulp Fiction and As Good As it Gets.
13. Where do you hope to head next?
Dolomites road trip in Italy.
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